Human Development Internship

Gain Professional Experience in Human Development

Students pursuing a human development degree and gerontology certificate at WSU Vancouver participate in graded, supervised internships to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. These placements provide vital opportunities to develop skills in diverse settings while serving the community.

Every credit earned requires 45 documented hours of internship activity. While the major requires a minimum of three credits, students may enroll in additional internship hours to meet the total graduation requirements. Students will initiate their own placements once they have received support in HD 497 Professional Preparation. Some agencies require a background check, such as the school district. Students will want to select an agency that is in alignment with their career goals and career development needs

Internship Placement Opportunities

WSU Vancouver partners with many local organizations to offer a wide range of opportunities. You can also explore additional internship sites through the Human Development Internship Map.

Lifespan Development

Human Services

Child and Youth Development

Early Childhood Education

Gerontology

Prevention Science

Human Development internship frequently asked questions

An internship is a self-initiated, supervised work experience with appropriate private organizations, businesses or government agencies that promotes interaction with practicing professionals. It is designed to give you work experience in your field of interest, help you build your professional network, and enable you to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a professional setting.

Some internships are paid, but the majority are not. If you are interested in working for a for-profit organization the internship needs to be paid. An internship is a required part of your coursework. As such, it is supervised, receives a grade and enables you to earn credit toward your degree.

Adriana Thomas is the academic and internship coordinator for the Department of Human Development. Contact her at adriana.thomas@wsu.edu or 360-546-9710.

HD 498 Internship’ in Human Development (no longer Field Placement). HD 497 is offered in the fall semester only and the internship can be any semester after. 

HD 498 Internship in Human Development. You will be given permission to enroll once the required paperwork has been completed. 

HD 497 Professional Preparation provides an overview of local agencies and the type of internship opportunities you can complete. You will be provided with a list of possible agencies and will also meet employers who attend class. You can find a list of many of our internship partners on this Google Map:  *Please add the HD internship map again here

Yes, you will receive a letter grade based on the coursework you complete in the Canvas course and the hours you complete at the internship agency. Course assignments and internship hours need to be completed the pass the course.